Reborn in the last years of Kangxi

Chapter 764
Who is the Cao family?Even if Cao Yong is a fourth-rank officer now, who would dare to underestimate him?
In the earl's mansion, the old lady at the beginning was the emperor's nurse, and now the honored master is the emperor's companion.

This grandma who is now the head of the family is the emperor's granddaughter, the noble princess Gege, and their serious master.

When Pang Dehui wore new clothes and followed his uncle into the gate of Cao's house, he was thinking about what his uncle had said in the morning.

Looking at the tall gate and the well-mannered servants in green on both sides, Pang Dehui felt his palms sweating.

I have lived in the capital for a long time, and I have seen some rich and noble families, most of them with a business name, and now this is a real residence of the emperor's relatives,
Pang Dehui's uncle, Pang Shan, the shopkeeper of the Drum Tower shop in Daoxiang Village, is usually steady, but at this time he is also a little trembling.

After operating in Daoxiang Village for several years, this is the first time to enter the gate of Cao Mansion, not to mention that the one who wants to see them today is the princess.

Before, regarding the business of the shop, apart from the big shopkeeper Han Jiang, Cao Fang, the chief steward of the Cao family, showed up. The real owner and Princess Rui were not qualified to meet with them.

Although this Pang Dehui is Pang Shan's nephew, he treats him like a son, otherwise he would not have given the master's grace to this nephew.

Although the current imperial examinations are not as harsh as those of the previous dynasty, there are also imperial examinations for the children of businessmen.However, scholars all over the world are counting on leaping to the dragon gate, and a few of them will become famous.

This nephew of his is like this. He has participated in the provincial examination three times and all of them have landed.Guarding the fame of a scholar, he is reluctant to let him go out to find a restaurant, and he cannot teach him how to count beads.

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Da Gege has Grace. There are ten shops in Daoxiang Village, ten shopkeepers, and two stewards in charge of purchasing. From the middle, five hard-working ones are selected, and they are said to be rewarded for the past few years. do my best.

These few shopkeepers thought that the master wanted to take advantage of the Mid-Autumn Festival to make a big red envelope.Unexpectedly, this was a real "reward". The Cao family came forward to donate the money for the nephews of the five shopkeepers.

This is the great decency and kindness, and the shopkeepers are very grateful.Although it is not a real shortage, but it has become an official. In the future, you can use brocade for your clothes, and you don't have to kneel when you go to the Yamen.

Although no one said anything to the remaining shopkeepers, they were not feeling well either.

They knew that this was the owner's "reward for meritorious service", and the shopkeepers selected were all shops with the most turnover this year.Some of them were wronged, some were unwilling, but they all gritted their teeth, thinking that they should work hard next year, and they must win back this face.

The five shopkeepers who had won the reward begged Cao Fang, the chief steward of the Cao Mansion, to bring their nephews to kowtow to the princess grandma to thank her.

People can't forget their origins, they are the servants of the princess grandma, and they always come to thank the master when they get rewards.

So, today, Pang Dehui followed his uncle into Cao's mansion.

Except for Pang Dehui, the remaining four shopkeepers are all sons. Among them, the shopkeeper Sun of the Longfu Temple shop is less than thirty, and the only son Sun Bao is only eight years old, and he is also among them.

Cao Fang led everyone to the house, but no one dared to speak.

In the side hall, there were two rows of chairs beside the wild goose wings, Cao Fang didn't invite everyone to sit down.

They also didn't dare to challenge Cao Fang's courtesy. With their identities, being able to enter the gate of Cao's mansion is already a high honor.

We waited here for nearly a quarter of an hour, during which time a few servants exchanged messages.

On Cao Fang's side, he bowed his head in response, and waited until the boy left, then smiled and said to you: "Our grandma is in the wife's room, serving the master and wife for dinner, and will come later. I know you have arrived, and grandma is afraid that you will be hungry. Tell the kitchen to bring out the noodles, please don't be polite."

While talking, Cao Fang led the crowd to the flower hall, and a servant had already brought the tables and chairs over.

It only takes a cup of tea to arrange the table.

No one dared to sit down, and it was Cao Fang who accompanied them, which made everyone sit down.Twenty or so young servants, holding silver basins and snow-white towels, waited for everyone to clean their hands.

Such behavior, everyone who dared to suffer, stood up.It was because of Cao Fang's good words that they washed their hands in panic.

Looking at the banquet, the silver plates and jade bowls, the gold-covered ivory chopsticks, and the dishes are so exquisite that people can't bear to drop their chopsticks.

Cao Fang picked up the jug and poured wine for everyone himself.When it was the turn of Shopkeeper Sun's son, Sun Bao, he paused, looked at the jug in his hand, and said, "This is lotus white, the royal wine from the palace. You are young, so you can borrow your luck." , and poured half a cup for Sun Bao.

This Sun Bao is also smart, not as timid as ordinary children, he fanned his big eyes and said: "Thank you, Second Uncle, I will drink."

Cao Fang Xing Er, when people usually see him, most of them were called the chief steward back then, and behind his back they called him "Second Master Fang".Before Sun Bao followed his father into the Cao Mansion, he heard people talk about it, so he called it that way.

Shopkeeper Sun was at the side, seeing that his son didn't recognize his birth, but felt his forehead sweating, so he patted him and scolded him, "What are you calling him, second master!"

When Sun Bao heard this, he felt aggrieved. Is there anything wrong with calling someone older than his father "Master" and someone younger than his father "Uncle"?Normally, his father called him that, but now he calls him in front of so many people.Even though he was young, he also knew shame, his face was flushed, his head was lowered, and he refused to speak.

Seeing his son's stubbornness, shopkeeper Sun was so angry that he didn't dare to discipline him in this place.If you want to do a good job in business, good eyesight is not the key, but it is absolutely impossible to have no eyesight.He felt apprehensive, so he could only bow down and say to Cao Fang: "The chief steward, the dog is so stubborn, he doesn't know the rules..."

After finishing speaking, Cao Fang said with a smile: "I look good, he is a shrill kid. His name is Bao'er, how old is he this year?" The second half of the sentence is for Sun Bao.

Sun Bao took a look at shopkeeper Sun, and whispered, "Second uncle, I am eight years old."

Cao Fang stretched out his hand, touched Sun Bao's head, and said: "Same age as my third boy, I will meet you guys when I have free time, we can always play together."

Sun Bao was really happy when he heard this, he grinned and showed his white teeth, and nodded vigorously.

Several other shopkeepers, seeing this situation, remembered one thing, that is, the two young masters of Cao's mansion are also a little bit older.If he could send his nephew to the young master's side as an errand, then his future would be limitless.

Amidst everyone's restraint and Cao Fang's chatting and laughing, the meal was finally finished, and everyone returned to the side hall.

After waiting for a cup of tea, two women led the servants to carry the beaded screen into the room and put it on the hall.

Everyone stood up, Cao Fang stepped forward, and asked his mother-in-law in a low voice: "Mrs. Song, has grandma come out of the wife's room?"

I heard the woman say: "Grandma is back to Wutong Garden, and Grandma Han will accompany you for dinner, come later..."

*
Indus Court, the upper room.

Because of Han Jiang's presence, Chu Yu asked people to prepare a few more dishes and set them on the table.Both of them are people who don't talk when they eat or sleep. They didn't speak until they cleared the table and rinsed their mouths.

Chu Yu sighed and said, "Shopkeeper Han, I just really want to accumulate merit. You come here often, and you should know that my uncle and I are both big gege is the lifeline. Speaking of it, it's me Due to improper maintenance during pregnancy, the child has become like this. I don’t know how many times I have cried in these years. As I see you today, I finally have hope. There is nothing more gratifying than this. There is really nothing now Please, I only wish for the longevity of my parents and the safety of my children.”

"Grandma is kind-hearted, and there will be good rewards. Every Buddha's birthday, Daoxiang Village donates sesame oil to the temple, and every year in the twelfth lunar month, it is Grandma's merit to follow the yamen in the porridge shed." Han Jiang lowered her eyebrows Said pleasingly.

Chu Yu glanced at Han Jiangshi, and said: "The business of Daoxiang Village is in your hands, and I and the uncle are at ease. I don't expect this shop to make a living, as long as the business goes well."

"After all, it's grandma's shop. It's better for them to know someone who is a serious master. They have a ten-year contract and some twenty. Listening to what Master Cao said, he still expects to make grandma's shops into time-honored brands. Save some pocket money for the young master and the girls." Han Jiangshi said with a smile.

Thinking of the man in front of him who had no father, mother, husband, or children, Chu Yu couldn't help feeling a little pity in his heart, but he didn't show it, but said indifferently: "No matter how many years the business is, since the uncle has trusted the shopkeeper Han, you can take care of him." I have to trouble the big shopkeeper to worry more."

"I have been taken care of by Master Cao and grandma all these years, and I finally lived up to the entrustment, otherwise the little lady would be ashamed." Han Jiang replied with a bow: "Because the little lady is young, there are many things that are inappropriate. , I also thank Master Cao and Grandma for their hospitality."

Seeing her talk more and more out of touch, Chu Yu said, "Why should it be like this. I have mentioned many times about Uncle Ling, and I have also praised it. I have also mentioned the matter of Sister Ling. It is really rough and pitiful. If she Still alive, shopkeeper Han can rely on many people."

When Han Jiangshi heard about her sister, she was a little sad.

Chu Yu got up and said, "Look at me, saying this makes you feel sad. Since they came to pay their respects, you can accompany me to meet them."

Han Jiangshi followed and got up, and as soon as the two arrived, they left Wutong Garden.

It happened that Zijing came to pick up the matter. He was quite surprised to hear that the store manager came to pay Chuyu a greeting.As for outside business, there are Han Jiang's and Cao Fang, Chu Yu never intervenes, let alone pass on outsiders.

Seeing that Zijing was busy, Chuyu said, "Sister Zijing goes to the courtyard to have tea first, and I will come back as soon as I go."

"Since grandma has something to do, let's do it first. I just want grandma Xuntian to borrow two pairs of shoes. I'll come back later when grandma comes back." Zijing replied with a smile.

"Today, the Ministry of Internal Affairs sent two boxes of green oranges, but they haven't been sent anywhere yet. If my sister goes to Sister Tian's yard, I will give them some." Chu Yu said after thinking about it.

Zijing complied, and after Chuyu and Han Jiangshi left, she followed Xiyan to fetch the green oranges.

In addition to sharing a few shares in the mansion, Xiyan also took a special basket, filled it and put it aside.

Zijing took a look and said, "Is this for Grandma Han?"

Xiyan nodded, and said: "Grandma just gave orders." Having said that, she lowered her voice and said, "Sister Zijing, Grandma Han seems to be getting married..."

Zijing was very surprised when she heard this, and said: "She told grandma?"

Xiyan shook her head and said, "That's not true. I just heard Gege talk to Xicai, mentioning Grandma Han, saying that she might have to leave Daoxiang Village, or else she would not make other arrangements. She was invited by the uncle, Gege It's not easy to say anything, I can only make up my mind when the uncle comes back."

When Amethyst heard it, it was indeed so.

In the past, the Han Jiang family seldom went to the Cao Mansion except for the three accounts reconciliations at the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and the end of the year.

More than half a month after the Mid-Autumn Festival, it happened several times...

*
Beyond the Great Wall, Yong'an Bian'a, the Holy Lord is here.

Although it is said that Shengshang's northern tour is a practice every year, but this year is unusual.The prince's elder brother who followed him was the most, and the number of sieges was the least.

Every year, Shengjia leaves Rehe for Mongolia in June, returns to Rehe in early July at the latest, and returns to Rehe in mid-September. once.

It's not that no one has other thoughts, but so what?

The one on the dragon chair today is different from the kings of all dynasties.No relatives to worry about, no power to constrain each other, no vassal king to endanger the imperial power, this is what Sacred Heart is used to arbitrarily.

After the big brother circle, the second elder brother, the eighth elder brother died of illness, and after the "Ming Party", "Princeling Party" and "Eighth Prince Party" disappeared, who would dare to act rashly.

Now, everyone is enduring, and no one knows whether they will regret what they endure, but they have no other choice.

Even the third elder brother who always likes to do little tricks, after Princess Rong Xian's persuasion, he is much more at ease.

These days, he is in-depth and simple, and he really looks like a scholar.Seeing this, the others didn't say anything, only Brother Jiu, who had been to Mongolia to see off his relatives, sneered a few times, unable to hide his contempt.

Seeing the awkward appearance of the ninth elder brother, the third elder brother was angry and annoyed.He didn't know why brother Jiu bit him like a mad dog.If the death of the eighth elder brother caused the ninth elder brother to vent his anger, it should be the fourth elder brother who served as a director in the capital last year and the sixteenth elder brother who worked in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

But he didn't know that in Brother Nine's heart, only Brother Eight was qualified to be on that chair, and the other brothers were not qualified.Whoever misses that chair is the enemy of the eighth elder brother, and also the enemy of his ninth elder brother.

Like the third elder brother who considers himself the "eldest son of the emperor" and feels good, how can he not make the ninth elder brother angry.

In the imperial tent, Kangxi couldn't help frowning as he looked at the booklet Ma Qi sent.

The zhezi was sent by Fu Ning'an, who led the army in the northwest. He marched to the northwest once, and before going to battle, he needed to borrow more than 25 taels of salary, money and food.

Where there is money in the household department, the money must be paid out from the internal treasury.

Kangxi finished reading the booklet, handed it to Zhang Tingyu who was standing on the side, and said after a long while, "I will pass on my will. Although the officers and soldiers have not joined the battle this time, they will take the place, but they work together. 26 taels of silver were issued to order them to sort out their horses and equipment. If they are afraid that the road is too far away, all the money and food in the nearby places will be dispatched to the Ministry of Households. Tern, he created another file to make it clear."

Responding to "the minister's decree" in Zhang Tingyu's mouth, he picked up the pen and ink on the kang table next to him, wrote an imperial decree while standing, and presented it to Kangxi with both hands.

Kangxi nodded to Wei Zhu who was beside him, and Wei Zhu stepped forward, accepted the order, and left it with a seal.

Kangxi picked up another booklet, his brows gradually relaxed, and while looking at it, he laughed and cursed: "Cao Yong, this kid really got into the eyes of money, and he always thinks about money wherever he goes."

Behind Kangxi, Wei Zhu pursed her lips.Among other things, in the past half a month, the emperor mentioned Cao Yong twice in front of the fourth elder brother, and there was a lot of blame in it, like blaming him for not doing his best to share the worries.

Even Wei Zhu was a little worried, and it was not easy to send a letter to Cao Yong.

Just as Cao Yong expected, looking at this eloquent "farming" article, Kangxi also felt that he was talking on paper and was not very convinced, but the statement that "food is the sky for the people" was supported by Kangxi.What made him laugh was Cao Yong's swearing about the tobacco thing, "with one hundred thousand silver" to get "several times the profit".

In recent years, Cao Yong's tricks in collecting money have not failed, and Kangxi also has confidence in him.

It's just that fighting a war consumes too much silver. It costs several 10 taels of silver to dispatch troops once without encountering an enemy.The profit of several times of [-] could not satisfy Kangxi.

It is not only that Henan cannot be chaotic, but Shaanxi, Gansu and Sichuan are also the top priority.

The promotion of double-cropping rice in Huguang was initiated by Kangxi himself in the early years. In recent years, Li Xu, Sun Wenqi and others have tried to plant new rice varieties in Jiangnan.

If corn and sweet potatoes are really suitable for growing in mountainous areas, it is not only Henan, Shaanxi, Gansu and other places, you can also try it.

Cao Yong was born in wealth and grew up in wealth, but Kangxi was very pleased to have such insight.He just showed a smile, and saw at the end of the book, it was Cao Yong who begged for grace on behalf of his cousin, and wanted him to resign and return to Beijing to participate in the general examination.

Thinking that Cao Yong went to Henan for this cousin, Kangxi couldn't help shaking his head.

He really didn't know whether he should regret it or not. This grandson-in-law is too humane and not sophisticated enough. He is talented but has no sense of utilitarianism, so it is difficult to become a master...

*
Outside Xizhimen, on the official road.

Looking at the city gate in front, several guards couldn't help but jump for joy.It's finally come to an end. When I was in the capital, I felt bored and looked forward to a business trip.It wasn't until I really went on a business trip that I realized that the capital city is good.

Even the sand in the capital is closer than the sand outside.

On Cao Song's side, he also rejoiced, and said to Cao Yong with a smile: "Brother, I'm finally back. I'm not at home during the Mid-Autumn Festival. I can finally spend the Double Ninth Festival with my uncle and auntie!"

"Well!" Finally came back, Cao Yong should be, relieved in the heart.

What happened in Henan is only the beginning, and there are countless clues in it, which can only be discussed later.In addition to the corruption of Henan officials and corruption in the officialdom, which had to be severely punished, there is another more serious problem, that is, the prevalence of the White Lotus Sect in Henan.

This is a major issue related to local stability, and bloody storms are inevitable.

Making Henan a "experimental site" and introducing the snobbery of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to Henan can also give the people of Henan more ways of life.

In the 56th year of Kangxi, more than half of it has passed, and the imperial court has not heard of any news of the army's westward expedition.It appears that it will be next year at the earliest.

Sheng Jia, please go back to Beijing, otherwise Cao Yong will have to offend others...

*
Dropped to fourth, fifth and sixth came after him again, Xiao Cao was in danger, Xiao Jiu urgently asked for a monthly ticket for support. . .

(End of this chapter)